Why might I choose to study psychology at A-level? Psychology is ideal if you are curious about people and enjoy scientific thinking. It combines theory with evidence, so it suits pupils who like both discussion and data analysis. Psychology links well with subjects like biology, PE, sociology and philosophy. It is useful for future study in psychology, medicine, law, business, education and many other fields such as marketing and business research. You will need at least a grade 7 in GCSE mathematics because the course includes statistical analysis and scientific methods. How will I be examined? We follow the AQA specification (7182). Assessment is by three written papers at the end of the Upper Sixth: • Paper 1 (33.3%) Introductory topics in psychology (social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology) • Paper 2 (33.3%) Psychology in context (approaches, biopsychology, research methods) • Paper 3 (33.3%) Issues and options in psychology (for example: issues and debates in psychology, cognition and development, forensic psychology) Each paper is two hours long and includes multiple-choice, short-answer and extended writing questions. There is no coursework, but practical skills are assessed through written questions.
Politics fits very neatly in combination with a range of other A-levels such as business, economics, geography, history and philosophy & theology, providing an excellent foundation for anyone wanting to go on to study these subjects at degree level. At university, politics is a very popular degree in itself, but there are a wealth of eye-catching degrees linked to this area of expertise, from international relations, American studies, business, law and philosophy. How will I be examined? Three exams at the end of Upper Sixth. All two hours long and equally weighted. • Paper 1 UK Government – The British Constitution, Parliament, PM + Cabinet, Judiciary, Devolution UK Politics – Democracy, Participation, Electoral systems, Parties, Pressure Groups, the EU • Paper 2 US Government – The Constitution, Congress, President, Supreme Court US Politics – Electoral process, Direct Democracy, Parties, Pressure Groups, Civil Rights Comparative Politics – comparing the US/UK systems as listed above • Paper 3 Political Ideas – Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Feminism
What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? There is no coursework requirement, although opportunities abound to make the subject a focus of an Extended Project.
Mrs Clem Scott-Smith Head of Psychology
Textile Design
Mr R H Bunce Head of Politics
What is the subject about? Textiles is about creativity and expressing your ideas through the medium of fibre and fabrics. You can explore combinations of art, textiles, costume, dyeing, printing, digital textiles, fashion and interiors. You will learn traditional techniques and modern textile techniques from hand embroidery to digital printing. Textiles encourages you to be imaginative, drawing on your personal interests and working to your own strengths. This course will allow you to create high quality textiles products from your own original designs. Why might I choose to study textiles at A-level? If you enjoy working with fabric and threads in addition to other mixed media then this course is an ideal choice for you. There are plenty of opportunities to explore ideas and be creative; you are able to build on your own particular strengths and develop your own interests. The course leads to a wide variety of career pathways including fashion and textile design, interiors, surface pattern and printed textiles, illustration, theatre and television costume.
Psychology
What is the subject about? Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It uses research and evidence to explain how people think, feel and act. You will learn about major approaches in psychology, such as biological, cognitive and behavioural, and apply these to real-life issues. Psychologists will carry out observations to try and unpick why people behave in the way they do. This gives them a better understanding of other humans and things like social influence. Topics include memory, attachment, psychopathology (causes and treatment of mental disorders), biopsychology (how does the body and brain affect our behaviour) and research methods. The course has a strong scientific element: you will analyse data, interpret statistics and understand experimental design, so a logical and methodical approach is essential. What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? There is no coursework in psychology. However, practical research skills are central to the course. You will carry out small-scale investigations, work with data and learn how to present findings. These activities help you understand how psychological theories are tested and applied.
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